Paint stripper and varnish remover compositions, methods for making these compositions and methods for removing paint and other polymeric coatings from flexible and inflexible surfaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to non-toxic, non-flammable, safe compositions employing primarily biodegradable components for use in removing and stripping paint, varnishes and stains from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, methanol, toluol or acetone. Paint stripper compositions of the present invention have flash points above about 120.degree. F. and an absence of low-boiling VOC's comprising: a. about 10% to about 60% by weight of a terpene compound containing at least 10 carbon atoms; b. about 10% to about 50% by weight of N-methyl pyrrolidone or its equivalent; and c. about 2% to about 20% by weight of a terpene emulsifying surfactant. Compositions of the present invention may further comprise at least one of the following: about 5% to about 15% by weight of a solvent extender or bulking agent, about 10% to about 60% of a high flash point, high K.sub.B (kauri-butanol) solvent selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, glycols and glycol ethers, about 0% to about 20% water, from 0% to about 5% by weight of a thixotropic or thickening agent, and mixtures, thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.